Chloe told me about her classes, the friends who were helping with childcare, and the professor she hoped would accept her into an introductory course.

She spoke about the future in specific, practical terms.

That was more moving to me than any grand declaration.

At sunset, she brought out the green bicycle we had repaired months before.

She wasn’t planning a long ride, and she had discussed safe activity with her care team, but she wanted a photograph of it beside the porch.

“I want Oliver to see it when he’s older,” she said.

“I want him to know that I had plans.